August 01, 2015 | Asia Pacific: Afghanistan

Team Afghanistan

By Prince Abdul Ali Seraj

In May of 2003, I met Eunice Shriver at the Special Olympics Office in Washington DC. She was an elegant lady and I was deeply impressed with her love and affection for those who were forgotten by many.View Story ▼In May of 2003, I met Eunice Shriver at the Special Olympics Office in Washington DC. She was an elegant lady and I was deeply impressed with her love and affection for those who were forgotten by many. .
She accepted my request to include Afghanistan in the 2003 World Games in Dublin Ireland.
Within one month, with the assistance of an adviser from Special Olympics, 5 children were selected and were trained by coach Karimi.
At the Dublin opening Ceremony, I had the honor be accompanied by Mr. Tim Shriver and his beautiful family to march with our team.
It was the first time that Afghanistan was presented to the world community after 30 years of war
Eunice Shriver's work in setting up and promoting the Special Olympics organization is an international success story which will pass on from generations to generations in hundreds of countries around the world.
Thank you Eunice Shriver and Tim Shriver for including our children in your family of thousands.

About Prince Abdul Ali Seraj:With the help of Eunice Shriver I established the Afghan team in 2003

July 26, 2015 | SOI General: Headquarters

Historic Opening to World Games 2015

By Christy White

More than 65,000 crowded into the Los Angeles Coliseum last night to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies. Welcomed by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who officially opened the GamesView Story ▼More than 65,000 crowded into the Los Angeles Coliseum last
night to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Opening
Ceremonies. Welcomed by President Obama and First Lady Michelle
Obama, who officially opened the Games, these Games are the largest
event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics and mark the
return of the Special Olympics Summer Games to United States after
16 years.Athletes, coaches, officials, family members, volunteers and
fans were treated to a star studded opening ceremonies that
electrified the LA Memorial Coliseum headlined by Stevie Wonder and
included performances by Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, O.A.R.,
Cody Simpson, J Balvin, Becky G, Cassadee Pope and 'Reach Up LA'
theme song creator Siedah Garrett. Emmy Award Winner, Debbie Allen
directed the show. Stars from TV, film and sports also made
appearances including Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Longoria, Lauren Potter,
Michael Phelps, Colin Farrel and Jamal Charles.An amazing night for everyone!

About Christy White:Director, Global Media and Public Relations

June 25, 2015 | Asia Pacific: Pakistan

Athlete Leadership: A mission of skill, courage, acceptance and joy

By Daulat Asif Visram

Adil Asif Visram was unable to cope in school. In 1990, he joined a special school and learnt to play different sports. His health improved, he became confident and made many friends.View Story ▼Adil Asif Visram was unable to cope in school. In 1990, he joined a special school and learnt to play different sports. His health improved, he became confident and made many friends.
Due to his hard work in 2002, he was selected through the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership program as an Assistant Coach. He says, “The first time I got a salary I was so excited that overnight I grew up from a boy to man.”
He was trained to speak and to create awareness at events, schools, media etc. His dedication led to being selected by Special Olympics International as 1 of the 12 international global ambassadors.
At the 2007 World Games in China, he gave a welcome speech at the opening ceremony in front of an audience of 70000 people.
Adil said, “I was told later by friends and family that all those who saw me on TV cried with pride and joy and praised Special Olympics for organizing such a huge event. I think China and Special Olympics gave hope and joy to the participants and millions of people around the world."

About Daulat Asif Visram:A family member

June 25, 2015 | North America: Southern California

U.S. First Lady Joins LA2015 Opening Ceremony

By Steven Vanderpool

The 2015 Special Olympics World Games is proud to announce Michelle Obama's attendance at the Opening Ceremony on July 25, 2015, celebrating the commencement of the world's largest sports and humanitarian event this year.View Story ▼The 2015 Special Olympics World Games (LA2015) is proud to announce Michelle Obama's attendance at the Opening Ceremony on July 25, 2015, celebrating the commencement of the world's largest sports and humanitarian event this year. The First Lady of the United States serves as an honorary co-chair of the World Games with President Barack Obama. "The First Lady's attendance complemented by the diversity of these talented performers will make the Opening Ceremony an extraordinary moment for Los Angeles and for the Special Olympics movement," said LA2015 President and CEO Patrick McClenahan. "We look forward to sharing the excitement of the Opening Ceremony with millions of people worldwide."

About Steven Vanderpool:I am Senior Vice President, Communications and Media Operations, for Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015.

June 18, 2015 | North America: Southern California

Star-studded LA2015 Opening Ceremony

By Christy White

Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, O.A.R., Cody Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger, J Balvin and Reach Up LA theme song creator Siedah Garrett will headline the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. Appearances by Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Longoria, Michael Phelps, Yao Ming, GView Story ▼Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, O.A.R., Cody Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger, J Balvin and Reach Up LA theme song creator Siedah Garrett will headline the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. Appearances by Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Longoria, Michael Phelps, Yao Ming, Greg Louganis, Stephanie McMahon, and Lauren Potter (one of the most popular actresses with an intellectual disability) among others, the show is set to be one of the most inspirational events Los Angeles has ever hosted. Nearly 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 170 countries will be welcomed at the Opening Ceremony, held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. More than 60,000 fans including Royalty, Heads of State and Government, and other distinguished personalities will cheer on the athletes inside the Coliseum, while a global audience can watch coverage provided by ESPN, the official broadcast partner of the World Games.

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The Start of the Solution

Young people from around the globe with and without intellectual disabilities are coming together at the SOGenUin Summit as part of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games with one goal - to change the world.